City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Picture and Frame Conservation

The City & Guilds 7716 Certificates in Design & Craft schemes have been designed for those who wish to develop and enhance their creativity and skills in this area and at the same time obtain a formal, recognised qualification.

Level 2 is for people who would like to pursue their skills beyond basic level

Creative Studies (7716) Level 2

Unit 1 Overview

Unit rationale

Aims
This unit provides a practical introduction to the skills and knowledge needed to begin the design process for craft. It aims to assess the ability to use a range of materials and mediums, based on a personal approach, in order to understand the visual implications of the design process.

Outcomes
There are four outcomes for this unit. The candidate will be able to:

1. use primary colours to produce secondary colours, add black and white to produce tints, tones and shades
2. explore the qualities of line and mark-making
3. demonstrate the relationship between shape and form
4. create a range of surface textures using simple techniques.

Unit 2 Overview

Unit rationale

Aims
This unit provides the practical skills and knowledge needed to make craft items. It aims to develop practical skills, using a range of materials to record this subject matter.

The unit utilises the principles of Unit 1 throughout the outcomes – planning, preparing, making and completing the items.

Outcomes
There are five outcomes for this unit. The candidate will be able to:

1. apply basic design ideas to planning and making for the craft
2. plan, prepare and manage the making of craft items to a design brief
3. operate tools and equipment applicable to this craft carefully, safely and effectively
4. make well constructed craft items to a design brief
5. appreciate the contextual influences relating to the craft.

Assessment
Three projects are to be undertaken and a folder of work is to be produced. The Design for Craft studies will be presented, appropriately, with the assessments.

• Analysis of 3 paintings (including at least 1 on board)using photographic records and UV techniques as appropriate, and preparation of conservation plan for each painting.
• Complete conservation of an oil or tempera painting and gilt frame.plan, clean reline/patch, fill, varnish, retouch and final varnish.
• A set of 3 boards demonstrating different retouching techniques and use of different varnishes.
• A folder of work.

The course
During the course you will:

• study the various methods of painting related to tempera, oil and other materials
• understand the history of colours and binding materials, selection of canvas or base surfaces, preparation of the surface, tempera base colours, use of oil colours and varnish
• understand general chemistry with reference to light and its effect on various materials
• understand the use of photographic research to establish the background of a painting
• recognise the main characteristics of the original painting material – oil or tempera
• acquire drawing and painting techniques, and apply these to retouching of paintings
• apply different cleaning methods, moulding, filling and conservation of frames
• recognise the main characteristics of the varnishes used
• recognise the main characteristics of the solvents, their purpose and their use
• understand Health and Safety requirements applicable to the use of paints, varnishes and solvents
• understand the limitations of your knowledge and experience, and evaluate when to ask for advice and help.